When do you choose which procedure and why?

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When do you choose which procedure and why?

When choosing a cosmetic procedure, many questions often arise. Eyelid surgery is a popular cosmetic procedure that can help restore a more youthful appearance and reduce eye fatigue. Whether you are experiencing symptoms of drooping upper eyelids, bags under the eyes, or both, there are several surgical options available to meet your specific needs and desires. But how do you know which procedure is right for you? This blog will discuss the different types of eyelid surgery and provide advice on when to choose each procedure.

Before choosing to undergo a surgical procedure, it is essential to understand the difference between cosmetic and functional eyelid surgery. The difference between cosmetic and functional eyelid surgery lies primarily in the goal of the procedure. The distinction between these two approaches helps to clearly define what you want to achieve with the procedure and ensures that you choose the right treatment for your specific situation.

Cosmetic eyelid surgery is aimed at improving the appearance of the eyelids or the area around the eyes. It is usually performed for aesthetic reasons, such as reducing wrinkles, bags, or excess skin that can cause a tired or aged appearance. Examples of cosmetic eyelid surgery include:

  • An upper eyelid correction to create a more youthful appearance by removing excess skin or fat.
  • A lower eyelid correction to reduce bags, bags or wrinkles under the eyes.
  • An instant brow lift to lift sagging brows and give them a fresher look.

Functional eyelid surgery is performed for medical reasons, usually to improve vision or relieve discomfort. It can remove excess skin or fat that obstructs the field of vision. Examples of functional eyelid surgery include:

  • An upper eyelid correction when excess skin of the upper eyelid hangs over the eyelashes and limits the field of vision.
  • A ptosis correction (drooping eyelid) to lift the upper eyelid if the muscle that lifts the eyelid is weakened.
  • A brow lift is performed when drooping eyebrows put pressure on the upper eyelids, limiting the field of vision.

But when do you choose which procedure?

An eyelid lift and a direct brow lift are both cosmetic procedures aimed at improving the appearance around the eyes, but they have different goals and techniques.

Upper eyelid correction

An upper eyelid correction is chosen for cosmetic reasons if someone suffers from excess skin or fat on the upper eyelids, which leads to a tired or aged appearance. For functional reasons, someone may choose an upper eyelid correction if the excess skin of the upper eyelid limits the field of vision or if the eyelid feels heavy and puts pressure on the eyes. Complaints such as: a limited field of vision, tired or heavy eyes, irritation and inflammation, difficulty using glasses or contact lenses and reduced eyelid function can be contributing factors.

When excess skin on the upper eyelid begins to hang over the eyelashes, it can restrict your field of vision, especially on the upper and sides (peripheral vision). This can cause problems with daily activities such as reading, driving, or recognizing people and objects at the edges of your field of vision. In addition, the extra skin can cause a heavy feeling on the eyelids, leading to tired eyes, especially at the end of the day. This can also be accompanied by headaches or tension in the forehead, because the eyebrows are unconsciously lifted to improve the field of vision. Furthermore, excess skin can interfere with the normal function of the eyelid, leading to irritation or inflammation. It can make the eyes more susceptible to infections, dryness and redness. Sometimes, it also causes friction between the skin folds, which can cause irritation. Another complaint of excess skin can be that it gets in the way when wearing glasses, because the skin rests on the glasses or affects the fit. Contact lenses can be more difficult to insert or remove due to the pressure of excess skin.

An upper eyelid correction removes excess skin and sometimes fat and muscle tissue, which restores the function of the eyelid and reduces or eliminates symptoms.

Lower eyelid correction

For cosmetic reasons, a lower eyelid correction is a good choice if someone suffers from bags, bags or wrinkles under the eyes and wants to reduce these for a more youthful appearance.
Lower eyelid correction for functional reasons is less common, but may be necessary if bags under the eyes cause irritation or discomfort.

Direct eyebrow lift

A direct brow lift can be considered if the eyebrows have started to droop, giving a tired or gloomy appearance, and someone wants a fresher look. If drooping eyebrows are pressing on the upper eyelids and limiting the field of vision, a brow lift has a functional purpose where this problem can be remedied.

How do you make the choice?

An upper eyelid correction is often advised if the problem is mainly with excess skin or fat on the upper eyelids. A lower eyelid correction is done if the focus is on bags, wrinkles or bags under the eyes. A direct brow lift is done if the eyebrows have dropped and you want a lift that is specific to this area, without addressing the surrounding parts of the forehead or eyelids.

The choice for an upper eyelid correction, lower eyelid correction or eyebrow lift depends on the specific complaints and goals that someone has. If the procedure is necessary for medical reasons, such as a limited field of vision, it falls under functional surgery. If the goal is mainly aesthetic, then it is cosmetic surgery. A consultation with an ophthalmologist or plastic surgeon can help to make the best choice based on each person's specific wishes.